Top 10 Christmas things to do in London

Enjoy all the charm of a traditional European Christmas market in Kingston’s Ancient Market Place, a historic square that’s been home to local traders since the early 1200s.

Christmas is a special time for the market, when the regular stalls turn into Alpine village-style, fairy-lit wooden cabins selling bratwurst, hog roasts, spiced wine and hand-crafted gifts to the backdrop of carols and live music.

Bring your Christmas game face and try your hand at Bavarian curling in the local All Saints Church grounds, until 5 January.

Also: Granary Square, N1, is home to the designer/maker Crafty Fox Christmas Market on 16 and 17 December.

London’s famous zoo is throwing the spotlight on a greener, more sustainable Christmas this year, with a planet-friendly programme of craft workshops and activities.

Make festive wrapping from recycled paper and cardboard stars from loo rolls, ribbons and bio-glitter. Play spot the pop-up Santa. Enjoy the 12 Animals of Christmas talks about penguins, giraffes, gorillas, lions and more.

Send your letter to Santa in the Elf Post Room. And have your photo taken under the giant Christmas tree or advent calendar. From 23 November until 5 January. Tickets from £18.90.

Also: Join Snowy’s Conservation Crew and learn how to protect the animals of the North Pole at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, SE1.

The botanical beauty of Kew Gardens is brought to spectacular, jewel-bright life with a kaleidoscopic spectacle of light.

Follow the mesmerising trail of Illuminations around glittering tunnels, dancing lakeside reflections, trees drenched in psychedelic colour, flickering flames in the fire garden and canopies of twinkling stars. Spot Santa along the way, and tuck into hot food, spiced winter warmers and sweet treats from the festive street food trucks. Tickets from £21.50, until 5 January.

Also: The impressive Greenwich Christmas lights work their magic on the mighty masts of the Cutty Sark, SE10. Source unique gifts in the permanent market, where the regular stalls get a fabulous festive makeover.

Master the art of the traditional homemade Christmas at Petersham Nurseries’ decorative workshops in Richmond and Covent Garden. Learn the art of wreath making and deck your halls with the heady aromas of cypress, fir, pine and cinnamon.

Create a show-stopping tree using natural materials and foliage. Make intricate present toppers and personalised printed wrapping paper. Create a memorable Christmas feast with a festive tablescaping demonstration. Or learn how to arrange the vibrant colours of winter floristry. Prices from £65 to £150, until 18 December.

Also: Botanique Workshop’s festive Christmas wreath making sessions take place in their Exmouth Market, EC1 base.

It’s Christmas Eve and you’re whisked right back to 1843 and the Regents Park home of your host Charles Dickens at this festive fantasy that brings the misty streets of London to life with his ghostly tales.

As the candles dim, you become part of this unearthly immersive tale that combines cinematic live music with spine tingling theatrics, Victorian gastronomy and yuletide potions. At around £143 for a three-course feast and show, this one is an indulgent treat until 12 January.

Also: Children can journey through enchanted rooms at The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace, SE9, to help Father Christmas restore the true meaning of the season.

Join the chorus among the historic pillars and pews of the wonderfully atmospheric St Martin in the Fields church, which brings glad tidings with its celebratory season of Christmas concerts.

Belt out uplifting classics like Jingle Bells and Little Donkey at the festive family carol services. Or enjoy the more traditional Carols by Candlelight, including enchanting choir performances, festive readings and a chance to join in with favourites like In the Bleak Midwinter. From £10 to £38, 1 to 23 December.

Also: From gospel, big band and swing carol concerts, to a John Williams’ Home Alone performance, the Christmas programme at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, SW7 is a joy.

Waterloo’s Old Vic theatre’s annual showing of A Christmas Carol is a sure sign that London’s exciting festive season has truly begun.

Now in its 8^th year and featuring renowned actor John Simm as the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge, producer Jack Thorne (of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child fame) brings an immersive melodrama to this tale of Christmas spirits.

Expect candlelight, costumed cast members handing out clementines and mince pies, bell ringing and rousing carolling throughout. Until 4 January 2025, from £15.

Also: The Night Before Christmas at the New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19 is an enchanting adventure for ages three to eight, while The Gruffalo’s Child at Finchley’s Arts Depo, N12, is a fun retelling of Julia Donaldson’s classic for ages three and above.

Father Christmas is flying into Hampstead Heath’s Kenwood House for sleigh bells, story telling sessions, a meet and greet, and gift giving.

The breathtaking interiors and world-class art collection of this historic stately home make for a stunningly traditional backdrop to one of the festive season’s most cherished traditions.

After meeting Santa, tuck into a Christmas afternoon tea, including pigs in blankets, smoked salmon blinis, savoury tarts and treats for the little ones. Various dates, from £9.50 for a Santa visit.

Also: Meet Santa beside a cosy fire and the sumptuous decorations of Fulham Palace House & Garden, SW6 - the historic home of the Bishops of London beside the Thames.